Smokeless oral tobacco product and preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product including a tobacco material and a particulate material, the particulate material having the following properties: i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm; ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm 3 ; and iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material, wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement or substitute.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product andmethods of making the same.

BACKGROUND

Smokeless oral tobacco products comprise smokeless materials, such assmokeless tobacco, that are designed to be placed in the oral cavity ofa user for a limited period of time. Smokeless oral tobacco productsinclude snuff, which can be provided in dry or moist form. Smokelessoral tobacco products can be portioned or non-portioned.

In some embodiments, the present invention seeks to provide an improvedsmokeless oral tobacco product and a method for the production thereof.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a smokeless oraltobacco product is provided comprising a tobacco material and aparticulate material which is other than tobacco, the particulatematerial having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a method isprovided for the production of a smokeless oral tobacco productcomprising a tobacco material and a particulate material which is otherthan tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) providing a tobacco material;    -   (b) processing the tobacco material; and    -   (c) adding the particulate material to the tobacco material        either prior to the processing step (b), during the processing        step (b) or after the processing step (b), wherein the tobacco        material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement or        substitute.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a consumer packageis provided comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product according tothe first aspect or produced by a method according to the second aspectof the invention.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is providedthe use of a particulate material which is other than tobacco, theparticulate material having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material

for improving mouthfeel of a smokeless oral tobacco product.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is providedthe use of a particulate material which is other than tobacco, theparticulate material having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material

for reducing irritation at the back of the throat of a user during useof a smokeless oral tobacco product.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is providedthe use of a particulate material which is other than tobacco, theparticulate material having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material

for maintaining in use structure of a smokeless oral tobacco product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a chart that includes the densities measured for a numberof different materials. The weight of the materials is plotted on they-axis, where the weight was measured per cm³ of product.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary test sieving equipment for measuring massmedian particle size of the particulate material.

FIG. 3 shows exemplary settings for the test sieving equipment formeasuring mass median particle size of the particulate material.

FIG. 4 shows a graph of percentage cumulative mass of cork against meshsize of the sieves in an exemplary sieve analysis method of Example 1 afor measuring mass median particle size of cork.

FIG. 5 shows a graph of percentage cumulative mass of millet husksagainst mesh size of the sieves in an exemplary sieve analysis method ofExample 1b for measuring mass median particle size of millet husks.

FIG. 6 shows a comparison of a smokeless oral tobacco product which istin comprising 20 g standard white snus together with the pouchedproducts shown above (right), and a sample comprising cork which is atin comprising 10 g cork snus together with the pouches products shownabove (left).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product.

The “particulate material” for use in the present invention is aparticulate material which is other than tobacco. Thus, as will beunderstood by one skilled in the art, the smokeless oral tobacco productincludes tobacco and particulate material as defined herein, wherein theparticulate material is other than tobacco.

“Smokeless tobacco product” is used herein to denote any tobacco productwhich is not intended for combustion.

“Smokeless oral tobacco product” is used herein to denote any smokelesstobacco product designed to be placed in the oral cavity of a user for alimited period of time, during which there is contact between the user'ssaliva and the product. The term “smokeless oral tobacco product”, asused herein, does not include tobacco heating products.

A smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in aportioned or a non-portioned format. Portioned smokeless oral tobaccoproducts can reduce or eliminate the handling of the tobacco by theuser, which can offer significant advantages in terms of better hygiene,convenience and/or ease of use.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product of the presentinvention is a portioned product.

The smokeless oral tobacco product comprises a tobacco material.

“Tobacco material” as used herein includes a material which comprisestobacco and/or a tobacco replacement or substitute. In some embodiments,the tobacco material comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobaccomaterial is tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprisesa tobacco replacement or substitute. In some embodiments, the tobaccomaterial is a tobacco replacement or substitute.

“Tobacco” as used herein includes any part, such as the leaves, flowers,or stems, of any member of the genus Nicotiana and reconstitutedmaterials thereof. In some embodiments, it includes treated tobacco. Insome embodiments, it includes derivatives such as specific compoundsfound in natural tobacco, such as nicotine, whether extract orsynthesized, as well as structural derivatives such as the fibrousportion of a tobacco leaf. The term “tobacco” as used herein includestobacco extract.

The term “tobacco replacement or substitute” as used herein includestobacco substitutes which comprise individual chemicals and/or complexchemical entities which, when appropriately prepared, physicallyresemble natural tobacco. Alternatively or in addition, the term“tobacco replacement or substitute” as used herein includes materialswhich deliver nicotine to the user and provide a similar mouthfeel totobacco.

When the tobacco comprises plant material, defined amounts of thedifferent parts of the plant may be used. For example, the amount ofstem in the tobacco blend may be up to 50%, up to 60%, or up to 70% byweight of the tobacco. In some embodiments, the amount of stem in thetobacco is from 5% to 70% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 10% to65% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 15% to 65% by weight of thetobacco, such as from 20% to 60% by weight of the tobacco, such as from25% to 55% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 30% to 50% by weightof the tobacco.

Tobaccos used in the present invention may include types of tobaccossuch as dark air-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco,Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco andRustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos.

In some embodiments, the tobacco is ground tobacco and/or is inparticulate form. In some embodiments, the tobacco is not in the form ofstrands or cut lamina.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be snuff in dry or moist form.“Snuff” is used herein to generally describe a class of smokelesstobacco product which typically comprises cured tobacco which has beendried and ground to have mass median particle size measured by sieveanalysis of between 0.01 and 5 mm, such as between 0.01 and 3 mm, suchas between 0.01 and 1.0 mm.

In some embodiments, the tobacco may be dry snuff. In some embodiments,the moisture content of the tobacco is less than 16% by weight of thetotal smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 12% by weight ofthe total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 10% byweight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 5%by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than3% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as lessthan 2% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such asless than 1% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product.

In some embodiments, some or all of the tobacco is in moist form. Themoist tobacco may be in any form that is suitable for incorporation intoa smokeless oral tobacco product. In some embodiments, the moist tobaccocomprises moist snuff.

In some embodiments, the moist snuff comprises Swedish-style snuff,which may also be referred to as snus-style tobacco or snus. In someembodiments, the moist snuff is Swedish-style snuff (snus). Snus is amoist powder tobacco product originating from a variant of dry snuff. Asused herein, snus is an oral tobacco product which is not fermented, butis rather heat-treated, such as by pasteurisation. Snus is typicallyused by placing it under the upper lip for extended periods of time.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is at least 20%by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least25% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least30% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least35% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least45% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

In embodiments in which the smokeless oral tobacco product comprisessnus, the snus may comprise salt and/or other flavourants.Alternatively, or in addition, the snus may be pasteurised or mayundergo a process similar to pasteurisation and may optionally bematured, to reach the desired pH and/or moisture content of the snus.Methods and apparatus suitable for pasteurisation and maturation areknown to the person skilled in the art.

Alternatively or in addition, the moist snuff may be in the form ofdipping tobacco. In embodiments in which the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct comprises dipping tobacco, the dipping tobacco may be treated byfermentation or may undergo a process similar to fermentation and mayoptionally undergo one or more further processes such as aging. Methodsand apparatus suitable for the treatment of dipping tobacco are known tothe person skilled in the art.

Alternatively or in addition, the tobacco may be in the form of US moistsnuff and/or chewing tobacco.

The amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation may vary. In someembodiments, the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct is at least about 5% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as at least about 10% by weight of the smokeless oraltobacco product, such as at least about 15% by weight of the smokelessoral tobacco product, such as at least about 20% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 25% by weight ofthe smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 30% by weightof the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 40% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 50%by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at leastabout 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oraltobacco product is no greater than about 90% by weight of the smokelessoral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 85% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 80% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater thanabout 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as nogreater than about 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oraltobacco product is between about 20% and 90% by weight of the smokelessoral tobacco product, such as between 20% and 85% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 80% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20%and 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as betweenabout 20% and 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, suchas between about 20% and 65% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as between about 20% and 60% by weight of the smokelessoral tobacco product, such as between about 25% and 60% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 30% and 60% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 35%and 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be providedto the user in a portioned format. In some known portioned smokelessoral tobacco products, the tobacco material is surrounded by a pouch.For example, a common method of providing moist snuff is to seal thetobacco material in a permeable pouch.

A pouch holds the tobacco material in place, while at the same timeallowing substances such as flavours and nicotine to diffuse through thepouch and into the mouth of the user for absorption through the user'smucous membranes.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be providedto the user in a non-portioned format. In one embodiment, the smokelessoral tobacco product is packaged in loose form in a container, such as acan, sachet or tin.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be providedto the user in a preformed format, such as that described in EP 2649889.Such a format typically does not require the use of pouches to containthe product, but may still be portioned.

In addition to a tobacco material, the smokeless oral tobacco productcomprises a particulate material. The particulate material in accordancewith the present invention has the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material.

As used herein, the term “particulate” means that the average length towidth ratio of particles of the material is less than 2:1, such as lessthan 1.5:1, such as about 1:1. In some embodiments the particles of theparticulate material are substantially spherical. In some embodiments,the particulate material is granular.

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a mass median particlesize measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm,such as from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm toabout 1.5 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, such as fromabout 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm.

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a mass median particlesize measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.4 mm to about 2.5 mm,such as from about 0.4 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.4 mm toabout 1.5 mm, such as from about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm, such as fromabout 0.4 to about 0.7 mm.

As used herein, the term “mass median particle size” is defined as thesize at which one half of the total mass of all particles in a sample iscontributed by particles with a size smaller than the mass medianparticle size, and one half of the total mass of all particles in asample is contributed by particles with a size larger than the massmedian particle size.

The mass median particle size of the particulate material may bemeasured by sieve analysis. As the skilled person will readilyappreciate, sieve analysis (otherwise known as a gradation test) is amethod used to measure the particle size distribution of a particulatematerial. Typically, sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieveswhich comprise screens, preferably in the form of wire mesh cloths. Apre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or uppermost sieve inthe column, which has the largest screen openings or mesh size (i.e. thelargest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column hasprogressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieveabove. Typically, at the base of the column of sieves is a receiverportion to collect any particles having a particle size smaller than thescreen opening size or mesh size of the bottom or lowermost sieve in thecolumn (which has the smallest screen opening or mesh size).

In some embodiments, the column of sieves may be placed on or in amechanical agitator. The agitator causes the vibration of each of thesieves in the column. The mechanical agitator may be activated for apre-determined period of time in order to ensure that all particles arecollected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the column ofsieves is agitated for a period of time from 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes,such as from 1 minute to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 5 minutes,such as for approximately 3 minutes.

Once the agitation of the sieves in the column is complete, the materialcollected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on eachsieve may then be divided by the total weight in order to obtain apercentage of the mass retained on each sieve.

In some embodiments, the mass median particle size of the particulatematerial may be measured as follows:

-   -   the cumulative mass of the sample of particulate material is        measured before sieving of the sample;    -   after sieving of the sample using the method described above,        the percentage of aggregate particulate material retained in        each sieve is calculated using the following equation:

${\% \mspace{14mu} {Retained}} = {\frac{M_{Sieve}}{M_{Total}} \times 100\%}$

where M_(sieve) is the mass of the aggregate material in the sieve, andM_(Total) is the cumulative mass (or total mass) of the whole sample;

-   -   the cumulative percentage of aggregate sample retained in each        sieve is then calculated by adding up the total amount of        aggregate material that is retained in each of the previous        sieves (i.e. each of the sieves above the relevant sieve). The        cumulative percentage of the aggregate sample retained in each        sieve is found by subtracting the relative percentage retained        in each of the previous sieves from 100%, as follows:

% Cumulative=100%−% Retained on previous sieves

-   -   a graph of percentage cumulative mass is then plotted on the        y-axis against sieve size on the x-axis;    -   the mass median particle size is then determined by calculating        the value of x when y=50% (i.e. when percentage cumulative mass        is 50%).

As the skilled person will readily appreciate, the screen opening sizesor mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis maybe selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particlesizes of the sample to be analysed.

In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis,wherein the column comprises from 2 to 20 sieves, such as from 5 to 15sieves. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieveanalysis, wherein the column comprises 10 sieves. In some embodiments,the screen opening or mesh sizes of the 10 sieves may be as follows fordetermining the mass median particle size of the particulate material:

Sieve Number Mesh Size (μm) 1 1000 2 900 3 800 4 710 5 600 6 500 7 400 8180 9 90 10 <90

As used herein, the density of the particulate material is defined asthe bulk density of the material. As used herein, bulk density isdefined as the mass of a number of particles of the particulate materialdivided by the total volume they occupy. As used herein, the term “bulkdensity” refers to the untapped or freely settled bulk density. In otherwords, bulk density is measured as the untapped density (i.e. before anyspecified compaction process, which may involve vibration of thecontainer).

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a bulk density of lessthan about 0.55 g/cm³, such as less than about 0.5 g/cm³, such as lessthan about 0.45 g/cm³, such as less than about 0.4 g/cm³, such as lessthan about 0.35 g/cm³, such as less than about 0.3 g/cm³, such as lessthan about 0.25 g/cm³, such as less than about 0.2 g/cm³, such as lessthan about 0.15 g/cm³.

As used herein, the term “starch” is defined as a carbohydratecomprising at least 200 glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.

As used herein, the term “sugar” is defined as compounds selected fromthe group consisting of monosaccharides (such as glucose and fructose),disaccharides (such as sucrose and maltose), and oligosaccharides.

In some embodiments, the combined amount of sucrose, fructose, maltoseand glucose in the particulate material is less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material. Thus, in a preferred aspect, asmokeless oral tobacco product is provided comprising a tobacco materialand a particulate material, the particulate material having thefollowing properties:

-   -   i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of        from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm;    -   ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and    -   iii) a combined content of sucrose, fructose, maltose and        glucose of less than about 7% based on the weight of the        particulate material

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a combined starch andsugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of theparticulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material hasa combined starch and sugar content of less than about 6% based on theweight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% basedon the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5%based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about4.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less thanabout 4% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as lessthan about 3.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such asless than about 3% based on the weight of the particulate material, suchas less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material,such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulatematerial, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of theparticulate material, such as less than about 1% based on the weight ofthe particulate material, such as less than about 0.5% based on theweight of the particulate material.

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total sugar contentof less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material.In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total sugar contentof less than about 6% based on the weight of the particulate material,such as less than about 5.5% based on the weight of the particulatematerial, such as less than about 5% based on the weight of theparticulate material, such as less than about 4.5% based on the weightof the particulate material, such as less than about 4% based on theweight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% basedon the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3%based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less thanabout 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as lessthan about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such asless than about 1% based on the weight of the particulate material, suchas less than about 0.5% based on the weight of the particulate material.

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total starch contentof less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material.In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total starch contentof less than about 6% based on the weight of the particulate material,such as less than about 5.5% based on the weight of the particulatematerial, such as less than about 5% based on the weight of theparticulate material, such as less than about 4.5% based on the weightof the particulate material, such as less than about 4% based on theweight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% basedon the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3%based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less thanabout 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as lessthan about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such asless than about 1% based on the weight of the particulate material, suchas less than about 0.5% based on the weight of the particulate material.

In one embodiment, the particulate material has a mass median particlesize measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, abulk density of less than about 0.4 g/cm³, and a combined starch andsugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of theparticulate material.

In one embodiment, the particulate material has a mass median particlesize measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm, abulk density of less than about 0.25 g/cm³, and a combined starch andsugar content of less than about 5% based on the weight of theparticulate material.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is hydrophobic. In someembodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulatematerial selected from the group consisting of aerogels, hollowparticles and semispheres, foams, textiles, materials of plant origin,materials of wood or tree origin, materials of animal origin, materialsof mineral origin, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobic materialselected from the group consisting of husks or hulls of grains,materials of wood or tree origin, animal feathers, diatomaceous earth,perlite, foams, hollow particles and semispheres, aerogels, and mixturesthereof.

The husks or hulls of grains may encapsulate the nutritious seed of thegrain and are typically a waste product of the food industry. In someembodiments, the husks or hulls of grains may be selected from buckwheathusk, millet husk, and mixtures thereof. Such husks or hulls of grainsare typically hydrophilic in nature, but may be made hydrophobic for thepurposes of the present invention by surface treatment.

In some embodiments, the animal feathers are selected from chickenfeathers, down and a mixture thereof. Outer feathers of animals aretypically hydrophobic in their natural state.

Down, however, is naturally hydrophilic; however, several treatments areavailable to make down hydrophobic as its natural hydrophilicity was amajor drawback for use in outdoor clothing. Various outdoor companiesnow offer articles with treated down, which repels moisture. Brandsinclude Rab Hydrophobic Down, The North Fact ProDown™, BerghausHydroDown™ and Mountain Hardwear Q.Shield Down.

Diatomaceous earth (also known as diatomite or kieselgur/kieselguhr) isa naturally occurring soft, siliceous sedimentary rock. Diatomaceousearth typically comprises ˜80% silica, and ˜20% diatoms, which are atype of hard-shelled algae. Diatomaceous earth is naturally hydrophilic,but treatments are available to obtain hydrophobic grades.

Perlite is a light material of volcanic origin, principally comprisingaluminium silicate. Perlite is often found in expanded form after heattreatment. As with diatomaceous earth, perlite is naturally hydrophilic,but treatments are available to obtain hydrophobic grades.

Foams are typically formed by trapping pockets of gas in a material. Thefoam may include open cell foam and/or closed cell foam. In someembodiments, the foam is formed from raw materials such as polymers,silicone, natural rubber, nanocellulose, alginates and mixtures thereof.In some embodiments, the foam is selected from sodium alginate,polyethylene, polystyrene, and low density chewing gums which aredescribed in WO 2013/090653. The low density chewing gum may comprise atleast 50% polymer and less than 40% of bulking agent and fillercombined.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is a foamed alginate, suchas that described in WO 2014/096816. In some embodiments, the foamedalginate is foamed sodium alginate.

The hollow particles and semispheres may be formed from polymers thatare filled with air to ensure a lighter density than the bulk material.The hollow particles and semispheres may be selected from the groupcomprising Expancel (AkzoNobel), Dualite® (Henkel), and Sunspheres™ (TheDOW Chemical Company). Hydrophobic grades of each of these hollowparticles and semispheres are available. The hollow particles andsemispheres may also be formed from sodium alginate particles.

An aerogel may be a dry, low-density, porous solid framework of a gelisolated intact from the gel's liquid component. Aerogels may beopen-porous and have pores in the range of <1 to 100 nm in diameter. Insome embodiments, the aerogels may be made from a wide variety ofsubstances, including silica, metal oxides, organic polymers, biologicalpolymers (such as gelatine, pectin and agar).

In some embodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobicparticulate material of wood or tree origin. For example, in someembodiments, the particulate material is sawdust.

Sawdust (otherwise referred to as wood dust) is a by-product of cutting,grinding, drilling, sanding or otherwise pulverising wood. It istypically composed of fine particles of wood. In some embodiments, theparticulate material is cork. Cork is a prime subset of bark tissueharvested primarily from Quercus suber. Cork comprises suberin, ahydrophobic substance.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobicparticulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, millethusk, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates andmixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. Cork is amaterial having a lower density than tobacco. In some embodiments, theparticulate material is cork, wherein the bulk density of cork is from0.05 to 0.4 g/cm², such as from 0.05 to 0.3 g/cm³, such as from 0.05 to0.29 g/cm³, such as from 0.05 to 0.28 g/cm³, such as from 0.05 to 0.27g/cm³, such as from 0.05 to 0.26 g/cm³. In some embodiments, the densityof the cork is from 0.05 to 0.1 g/cm³. In some embodiments, the densityof the cork is from 0.17 to 0.26 g/cm³.

FIG. 1 shows a chart that includes the densities measured for a numberof different materials. The weight of the materials is plotted on they-axis, where the weight was measured per cm³ of product.

A suitable weight ratio between the tobacco material and the particulatematerial in the smokeless oral tobacco product depends on the desiredproperties of the smokeless oral tobacco product. For example, theweight ratio between the tobacco material and the particulate materialwill depend on the desired dryness and density of the smokeless oraltobacco product.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the particulate material totobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 20:1 to1:20, such as from 15:1 to 1:15, such as from 10:1 to 1:10, such as from9:1 to 1:9, such as from 8:1 to 1:8, such as from 7:1 to 1:7, such asfrom 6:1 to 1:6, such as from 5:1 to 1:5, such as from 4:1 to 1:4, suchas from 3:1 to 1:3, such as from 2:1 to 1:2.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In someembodiments, the weight ratio of the cork to tobacco material in thesmokeless oral tobacco product is from 20:1 to 1:20, such as from 15:1to 1:15, such as from 10:1 to 1:10, such as from 9:1 to 1:9, such asfrom 8:1 to 1:8, such as from 7:1 to 1:7, such as from 6:1 to 1:6, suchas from 5:1 to 1:5, such as from 4:1 to 1:4, such as from 3:1 to 1:3,such as from 2:1 to 1:2.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the particulate material totobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 1:1.5 to1:10, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:9, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:8, such as from1:1.5 to 1:7, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:6, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:5, suchas from 1:1.5 to 1:4, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:3, such as from 1:1.5 to1:2.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In someembodiments, the weight ratio of the cork to tobacco material in thesmokeless oral tobacco product is from 1:1.5 to 1:10, such as from 1:1.5to 1:9, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:8, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:7, such asfrom 1:1.5 to 1:6, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:5, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:4,such as from 1:1.5 to 1:3, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:2.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is included in an amountof from 1 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, suchas in an amount of from 2 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 3 to 80% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 4 to 80% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 5 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 5 to 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 5 to 70% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 65% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 5 to 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 5 to 55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 5 to 50% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 45% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 5 to 40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 10 to 40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In someembodiments, the cork is included in an amount of from 1 to 80% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 2 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 3 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 4 to 80% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 80% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 5 to 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 5 to 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 5 to 65% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 60% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 5 to 55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such asin an amount of from 5 to 50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, such as in an amount of from 5 to 45% by weight of thesmokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 40% byweight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount offrom 10 to 40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

In some embodiments, the particulate material does not interfere withthe aroma/smell of the tobacco material. For example, cork isadvantageously neutral in aroma, and does not interfere with thearoma/smell of the tobacco material, and therefore does not adverselyaffect the user experience.

An advantage of the present invention is that the amount of tobacco usedin the smokeless oral tobacco products according to the presentinvention may be reduced whilst maintaining the organoleptic propertiesof the products.

Without wishing to be bound, the use of the particulate material havingthe properties described herein in the present invention mayadvantageously increase the release of components from the tobaccomaterial, such as flavour and/or nicotine, in the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct, which may enhance user experience. The inclusion of theparticulate material having the properties described herein results in aless dense smokeless oral tobacco product, which has a more openstructure. This may result in more free movement of fluid in the tobaccoproduct and in the mouth, and subsequently may result in improvedrelease of components from the smokeless oral tobacco product.

The present inventors have surprisingly found that modifying the weightratio of the particulate material included in the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct results in a modification of the density and compactness of theproduct, and thereby may enable regulation of the extraction rate of theflavour and nicotine.

Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to regulatethe amount of tobacco provided to the user without adversely affectingthe user experience. For smokeless oral tobacco products which areprovided in portions (optionally in pouches), it is undesirable todecrease the size of the portion provided to the user because this canadversely affect their experience since they may be used to using acertain size of portion under their upper lip.

For smokeless oral tobacco products in loose form, in some embodiments,it may be possible to vary the amount of tobacco provided to the user,whilst still maintaining the amount of product which the user may takefrom the container (i.e. a “pinch” of product). Furthermore, forsmokeless oral tobacco products in loose form, it has surprisingly beenfound that the products are perceived by the user as having a softer andspringier feel when a “pinch” of product is taken by the user from thecontainer. This results in an improved overall user experience as theproducts may be more pleasant to the touch when taken from the containerin loose form.

The use of the particulate material having the properties describedherein in the present invention enables a decrease in the overalldensity of the smokeless oral tobacco product compared to conventionalsmokeless oral tobacco products which do not comprise the particulatematerial. Therefore, it has surprisingly been found that the weight of aportion of the product may be varied whilst maintaining the overall sizeof the portion provided to the user. For example, the weight of theproduct may be reduced without any corresponding reduction in the volumeof the product.

A further advantage of the present invention is the ability to reducethe amount of irritation at the back of the throat perceived by theconsumer during use of the product. One problem associated withsmokeless oral tobacco products is the sensitisation of a nerve at theback of the throat of a user which occurs during use. This may result inan irritation at the back of the throat, commonly referred to byconsumers as “drip”. It has surprisingly been found that the inclusionof the particulate material in accordance with the present inventionresults in a product which is perceived by the consumer as being drierrelative to standard oral tobacco products not comprising theparticulate material, and also reduces the perceived extent ofirritation at the back of the throat of a user of the smokeless oraltobacco product.

Therefore, in one embodiment, there is provided use of the particulatematerial having the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material

for reducing irritation at the back of the throat of a user during useof a smokeless oral tobacco product.

In one embodiment, there is provided use of the particulate materialhaving the following properties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material

for reducing oral harshness during use of a smokeless oral tobaccoproduct.

In addition, it has been found that the smokeless oral tobacco productsof the present invention have an improved mouthfeel compared withsmokeless oral tobacco products which do not comprise the particulatematerial having the properties described herein. Without wishing to bebound, it is considered that the improved mouthfeel is due to theimproved flexibility and improved shape retention during use of theproducts of the present invention.

Therefore, the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco productsmay be varied without any adverse effect on the total volume of productprovided to the user, and with an improvement in the mouthfeel of theproduct.

In this case, the smokeless oral tobacco product may comprise a highnicotine content tobacco. Therefore, the overall nicotine content of thesmokeless oral tobacco product may be maintained despite use of loweramounts of tobacco by weight.

In some embodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco material isfrom 0.02% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material. In someembodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco material is from 0.03%to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.04% to 7.5% byweight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.05% to 7.5% by weight ofthe tobacco material, such as from 0.06% to 7.5% by weight of thetobacco material, such as from 0.07% to 7.5% by weight of the tobaccomaterial, such as from 0.08% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material,such as from 0.09% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such asfrom 0.1% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.1%to 7% by weight of the tobacco material.

The smokeless oral tobacco product may further comprise othercomponents. These components may, for example, be included in order toalter the organoleptic properties of the formulation, contributing tothe sensory perception by the consumer. The particular components andthe amounts in which they are included in the smokeless oral tobaccoproduct of the present invention will vary depending upon the desiredflavour, texture, and other characteristics.

For example, flavouring agents, preservatives, binders, humectants,buffering agents, disintegration aids and/or colourants may be includedin the smokeless oral tobacco product.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materialswhich, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desiredtaste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may includeextracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf,chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon,herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon,scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery,cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, roseoil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine,ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, ora mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers,bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators orstimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose,acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose,sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additivessuch as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breathfreshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or naturalingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, forexample, oil, liquid or powder.

The present invention also provides a consumer package comprising thesmokeless oral tobacco product as described herein. In some embodiments,the smokeless oral tobacco product is non-portioned, and the consumerpackage comprises a container, such as a box or a can. In someembodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product is portioned. Theportioned smokeless oral tobacco product may be provided in a pouch.

Therefore, in one embodiment, there is provided a pouch comprising thesmokeless oral tobacco product as described herein.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing asmokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and aparticulate material, the particulate material having the followingproperties:

i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about0.3 mm to about 3 mm;

ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm³; and

iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based onthe weight of the particulate material, wherein the tobacco materialcomprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement or substitute comprising thesteps of:

-   -   (a) providing a tobacco material;    -   (b) processing the tobacco material; and    -   (c) adding the particulate material to the tobacco material        either prior to the processing step (b), during the processing        step (b) or after the processing step (b).

In order to produce a tobacco formulation for snus, the blend of tobaccoparticles may be mixed with water and, typically, salt. Residualmoisture from the tobacco and the added water combine to raise themoisture levels of the mixture to at least 20%, and in some embodimentsto at least 25%, and in some embodiments to about 20 to 60%, and in someembodiments to about 25 to 60%. Salt is one form of flavourant;optionally it may be excluded and/or another flavourant may be added atthis stage. The tobacco blend may be mixed with water and/or salt eitherprior to the processing step (b), during the processing step (b) orafter the processing step (b). In one embodiment, the tobacco blend ismixed with water, and optionally salt, prior to the processing step (b).

In one embodiment, the tobacco formulation is particulate, comprisingtobacco particles having a mass median particle size measured by sieveanalysis of from about 0.01-1 mm, for example, a mass median particlesize of about 0.1-0.5 mm, or a mass median particle size of about0.25-0.4 mm.

In one embodiment, the particulate tobacco comprises a mixture oftobacco stem particles and tobacco lamina particles. In someembodiments, the particulate tobacco comprises tobacco stem particles inan amount of from 5% to 70% by weight of the combined amount of tobaccostem particles and tobacco lamina particles.

In embodiments wherein the tobacco comprises particulate snus, theparticulate snus tobacco may be humidified to 20 to 50% moisture, and/ormay be salted. In embodiments wherein the tobacco comprises particulatesnus, the particulate snus tobacco may be humidified to about 50%moisture, and/or may be salted.

The amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation may vary. In someembodiments, the amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation is atleast about 25% on a wet weight basis, such as at least about 30% on awet weight basis, such as at least about 40% on a wet weight basis.

In some embodiments, the tobacco blend (together with any water andsalt) is heat treated for a period of time long enough and at atemperature high enough to meet the demands for pasteurisation. Thetobacco blend is typically heat treated for one hour to meet the demandsfor pasteurisation. As tobacco is a natural product it can be expectedthat there is some degree of microbial presence in the blend. The heattreatment can take any form which is sufficient to produce a producthaving an acceptably low level of spoilage microorganisms. The heattreatment may meet the demands for pasteurisation, and thus may take aform that results in sterilisation of the product. Examples include highor low temperatures; e.g., heat treatment at about 80-140° C. for aboutat least 30 minutes via hot air, steam, microwaves, or other means, orcold pasteurisation. Other examples include irradiation and chemicaltreatment. One limitation on the heat treatment method selected is thatit is appropriate for use with a product intended for human oralconsumption. Another is that is should not present undue adverse effecton the taste, consistency or other organoleptic properties of the finalsmokeless oral tobacco product.

The heat treatment also gives texture and colour to the mixture.

It should be apparent to skilled workers that, where the presentinvention is practised using tobacco replacements or substitutes, theheat treatment step will comprise ensuring the tobacco replacement orsubstitute is not contaminated with microorganisms, and that this stepmay not require any other manipulation of the product.

After the heat treatment, it may be desirable to check and potentiallyadjust the pH of the blend. To achieve the desired characteristics ofcertain commercial blends of smokeless oral tobacco products, a pH ofapproximately 7 to 12 may be preferred at this stage of the process.

The heat treated blend may optionally be matured. This may be done byslowly mixing the blend while holding it at a constant temperature suchas approximately 40-75° C., preferably at about 50° C. The gentlestirring can continue for about 1 to 24 hours, particularly for about 3to 15 hours. This stage may be effective at reducing pH and possiblyreducing moisture to about 20-55% based on the weight of the smokelessoral tobacco product, depending on the type of tobacco used and theparticular snus product being manufactured.

A flavourant may be added during the maturation stage. Typically theflavourant added at this stage is in a liquid form and is added to about0.1-5% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product. The liquidflavourant is often sprayed onto the tobacco blend. Where employed,humectants are traditionally added at this stage as well.

However, in some embodiments, flavourants and other additives (such aspreservatives, binders, humectants, buffering agents, disintegrationaids and colourants) may be added to the tobacco blend before or afterpasteurisation and/or maturation. In some embodiments, flavourants andother additives (such as preservatives, binders, humectants, bufferingagents, disintegration aids and colourants) may be added to the tobaccoblend before or after the stage of pasteurisation and/or maturation.

According to the present invention, the particulate material may beadded to the tobacco material prior to, during or after heat treatment.In some embodiments, the particulate material is added prior to the heattreatment step. In some embodiments, the particulate material is addedduring the heat treatment step. In some embodiments, the particulatematerial is added after the heat treatment step.

Preferably, the particulate material is mixed with the tobacco materialprior to heat treatment so that the particulate material is heat treatedin the same manner as the tobacco material.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Measurement of Mass Median Particle Size of Sample

A sieve analysis method in accordance with the present invention isdescribed herein.

Example 1a Measurement of Mass Median Particle Size of Cork

A sample of cork particles were sieved using a test sieving equipment(Haver EML 200 digital plus N) using Haver & Boecker sieves, from Haver& Boecker OHG, Partikelanalyse presse, Ennigerloher St. 64, D-59302Oelde, Germany. This equipment was used to mechanically separatefractions of the cork according to particle size.

The above-identified test sieving equipment is shown in FIG. 2, andcomprises 10 sieves having the following mesh sizes:

Sieve Number Mesh Size (μm) 1 1000 2 900 3 800 4 710 5 600 6 500 7 400 8180 9 90 10 <90

The sieves were agitated using a mechanical agitator for 3 minutes usingthe following settings (which are shown in FIG. 3):

-   -   2.4 mm setting on amplitude    -   Interval: 5 seconds on, and 1 second off

No sieve balls were used in the method according to this example.

Three samples of cork particles were tested using the method describedabove. The following results were obtained for the cork particlesanalysed:

Total Total Total mass of mass of mass of Mesh sieve + sieve + sieve +Mass of Mass of Mass of Size Mass of sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 1sample 2 sample 3 Mean (μm) sieve (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) mass (g)1000 454.16 454.49 454.66 455.43 0.33 0.50 1.27 0.70 900 441.46 447.98447.71 448.28 6.52 6.25 6.82 6.53 800 427.19 432.76 432.23 433.30 5.575.04 6.11 5.57 710 449.34 458.30 458.10 457.77 8.96 8.76 8.43 8.72 600434.00 442.39 442.27 442.17 8.39 8.27 8.17 8.28 500 424.94 433.91 434.05433.52 8.97 9.11 8.58 8.89 400 405.06 411.87 412.35 411.52 6.81 7.296.46 6.85 180 386.45 390.63 390.44 390.30 4.18 3.99 3.85 4.01 90 373.71373.82 373.79 373.73 0.11 0.08 0.02 0.07 <90 287.32 287.78 287.32 287.320.46 0.00 0.00 0.15

The mean cumulative mass of the samples was calculated to be 49.77 g.

The cumulative percentage mass of aggregate collected on each sieve wasthus calculated as follows:

Mass retained on Cumulative mass Mesh Size (μm) Mean mass (g) sieve (%)(%) 1000 0.70 1.41 100.00 900 6.53 13.12 98.59 800 5.57 11.20 85.47 7108.72 17.52 74.27 600 8.28 16.63 56.76 500 8.89 17.86 40.13 500 6.8513.77 22.27 180 4.01 8.05 8.50 90 0.07 0.14 0.45 <90 0.15 0.31 0.31

A graph plotting percentage cumulative mass (y-axis) against mesh sizeor each sieve (x-axis) is shown in FIG. 4. A linear line of best-fit hasbeen drawn through a number of the data points.

The equation for this plot was calculated as y=0.1526x−36.534.Therefore, when y=50%, the mass median particle size of the cork iscalculated as 567.06 μm (equivalent to 0.567 mm).

Example 1b Measurement of Mass Median Particle Size of Millet Husks

The same method as described in Example 1 a was used to determine themass median particle size of a sample of millet husks.

The results were as follows:

Total Total Total mass of mass of mass of Mesh sieve + sieve + sieve +Mass of Mass of Mass of Size Mass of sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 1sample 2 sample 3 Mean (μm) sieve (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) (g) mass (g)1000 454.16 459.25 458.8 460.08 5.09 4.64 5.92 5.22 900 441.46 443.3443.36 443.35 1.84 1.9 1.89 1.88 800 427.19 433.91 433.98 434.35 6.726.79 7.16 6.89 710 449.34 455.01 454.98 454.74 5.67 5.64 5.4 5.57 600434 442.37 442.7 442.6 8.37 8.7 8.6 8.56 500 424.94 431.71 431.79 431.436.77 6.85 6.49 6.70 400 405.06 411.1 411.21 410.73 6.04 6.15 5.67 5.95180 386.45 394.29 394.41 393.65 7.84 7.96 7.2 7.67 90 373.71 374.93374.96 374.96 1.22 1.25 1.25 1.24 <90 287.32 287.82 287.78 287.85 0.50.46 0.53 0.50

The mean cumulative mass of the samples was calculated to be 50.17 g.

The cumulative percentage mass of aggregate collected on each sieve wasthus calculated as follows:

Mass retained on Cumulative mass Mesh Size (μm) Mean mass (g) sieve (%)(%) 1000 5.22 10.40 100.00 900 1.88 3.74 89.60 800 6.89 13.73 85.86 7105.57 11.10 72.13 600 8.56 17.06 61.03 500 6.70 13.36 43.97 500 5.9511.87 30.61 180 7.67 15.28 18.74 90 1.24 2.47 3.46 <90 0.50 0.99 0.99

A graph plotting percentage cumulative mass (y-axis) against mesh size(x-axis) is shown in FIG. 5. A linear line of best-fit has been drawnthrough a number of the data points.

The equation for this plot was calculated as y=0.1371x −23.841.Therefore, when y=50%, the mass median particle size of the cork iscalculated as 538.59 μm (equivalent to 0.539 mm).

Example 2

A snus batch was made using a 60:40 weight ratio (tobacco:cork) ofpre-treated materials by adding 3,600 g of tobacco and 2,400 g of cork(cork granules at 0.055-0.060 g/cm³ bulk density; mass median particlesize approximately 0.55-0.65 mm, supplied by Cork Link, Portugal),water, sodium chloride, and other ingredients to a horizontal,cylindrical, ploughshare mixer. The mix of ingredients was then stirred,and heat applied for a long enough duration to ensure safemicrobiological status of snus. Following heat treatment, the producthad a maturation period of several hours at elevated temperature withcontinuous intermittent stirring at low speed of mixer blades inside themixer. The processing was finished by adding flavour, adjusting pH toabout 8.5 by adding sodium carbonate, and water content measured toensure that end moisture content was 45% (w/w).

Finished cork-containing snus was then transferred to plastic bags, andallowed to mature in a cold room for one week. Following this, snus waspacked to pouches using a Mertz snus packer (Merz VerpackungsmaschinenGmbH, Bahnhofstraβe 25, D-35423 Lich, Deutschland), and bulk density wasmeasured. Bulk density was measured using an Engelsmann JoltingVoltumeter STAV II. Bulk density was calculated pre-jolting, for a givenvolume of a certain mass of particulate material.

As a final step, sensory properties of the cork-containing snus wereassessed.

Example 3

A snus batch containing an 80:20 tobacco:cork weight ratio was preparedand analysed using the method of Example 2, where 4,000 g of tobacco wasadded to the mixture, and 1,000 g of cork added.

Example 4

A snus batch containing a 95:5 tobacco:cork weight ratio was preparedand analysed using the method of Example 2, where 4,750 g of tobacco wasadded to the mixture, and 250 g of cork added.

Example 5 (Comparative)

A snus batch containing no cork (i.e. a tobacco:cork weight ratio of100:0) was prepared and analysed using the method of Example 2, where5,000 g of tobacco was added to the mixture, and 0 g of cork added.

Results

The smokeless oral tobacco products in accordance with the presentinvention (Examples 2 to 4) were analysed to determine total starch andsugar content, and the following results obtained:

-   -   Glucose<0.04 g/100 g    -   Fructose<0.04 g/100 g    -   Sucrose<0.04 g/100 g    -   Maltose<0.04 g/100 g    -   Total starch & sugars<1% w/w

The properties of the smokeless oral tobacco products prepared inExamples 2 to 5 are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Measured bulk densities and pouch weights of cork-containingsnus of a standard White snus blend at 45% moisture, with varying levelsof cork Example Cork (% w/w) Bulk Density (g/cm³) Mass of pouch (g) 2 400.207 0.4 3 20 0.260 0.5 4 5 0.350 0.6 5 0 0.425 0.8

It is noted that the stated level of cork does not refer to the ratio ofcork in the final snus product as this depends on moisture level andother ingredients. In the case of a white snus mix containing 40% cork,at a finalmoisture of 45%, the final weight percentage of cork is around18-20% w/w. However, in the Examples and Table 1 above, the amount ofcork is specified as a ratio of total ground, pre-treated tobacco mix,prior to any other ingredients having been added.

As shown in Table 1, the inclusion of cork in the snus products resultsin a considerable decrease in bulk density and resulting pouch mass ofthe smokeless oral tobacco product at a similar fill value.

The products of Examples 2 and 5 are shown in FIG. 6, where the productcomprising 40% w/w cork (Example 2) is shown on the left hand side, andthe product comprising 0% w/w cork (Example 5) is shown on the righthand side.

Indeed, the product comprising 40% w/w cork (Example 2) had a bulkdensity 51.3% lower than the product comprising 0% w/w of cork (Example5) for the same weight of product.

A standard snus product contains 0.9 g of tobacco. 0.9 g of the snusproduct according to Example 5 having 0% w/w cork has a volumecalculated as 1.8 cm³. With a bulk density of 0.207 g/cm³, the weight ofthe snus product according to Example 2 comprising 40% w/w cork requiredto fill a volume of 1.8 cm³ is 0.3726 g. This results in a 58.6%reduction in material weight for the same volume.

In addition, the inventors surprisingly found that the samplescomprising cork are very soft and flexible. The sample comprising 0% w/wcork (Example 5) started to collapse and feel flat when tested, whereasthe samples comprising cork (Example 2) kept their shape over anextended period of time. In addition, the samples comprising cork(Example 2) were perceived as dry compared to the sample in Example 5.

It was also found that cork has a neutral aroma and taste, and thus didnot add any noticeable aromas or tastes to the tobacco products.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments areprovided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages,embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or otheraspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on thescope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilisedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitablycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinationsof the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means,etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, thisdisclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but whichmay be claimed in future.

1. A smokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and aparticulate material, the particulate material having the followingproperties: i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis offrom about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm; ii) a bulk density of less than about0.6 g/cm³; and iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less thanabout 7% based on the weight of the particulate material, wherein thetobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement orsubstitute.
 2. A smokeless oral tobacco product according to claim 1,wherein the mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of theparticulate material is from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm.
 3. A smokelessoral tobacco product according to claim 2, wherein the mass medianparticle size measured by sieve analysis of the particulate material isfrom about 0.3 to about 0.7 mm.
 4. A smokeless oral tobacco productaccording claim 3, wherein the bulk density of the particulate materialis less than about 0.4 g/cm³.
 5. A smokeless oral tobacco productaccording to claim 4, wherein the bulk density of the particulatematerial is less than about 0.26 g/cm³.
 6. A smokeless oral tobaccoproduct according to claim 1, wherein the combined starch and sugarcontent of the particulate material is less than about 5% based on theweight of the particulate material.
 7. A smokeless oral tobacco productaccording to claim 1, wherein the particulate material is present in anamount of from about 1 to about 80% by weight of the total smokelessoral tobacco product.
 8. A smokeless oral tobacco product according toclaim 7, wherein the particulate material is a hydrophobic materialselected from the group consisting of husks or hulls of grains,materials of wood or tree origin, animal feathers, diatomaceous earth,perlite, foams, hollow particles and semispheres, aerogels, and mixturesthereof.
 9. A smokeless oral tobacco product according to claim 8,wherein the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate materialselected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks,polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, andmixtures thereof.
 10. A smokeless oral tobacco product according toclaim 9, wherein the particulate material is cork.
 11. A smokeless oraltobacco product according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is orcomprises tobacco.
 12. A smokeless oral tobacco product according toclaim 11, wherein the tobacco comprises particulate tobacco.
 13. Asmokeless oral tobacco product according to claim 11, wherein thetobacco is snus.
 14. A smokeless oral tobacco product according to claim11, wherein the tobacco has a mass median particle size measured bysieve analysis of between about 0.01 mm and about 1.0 mm.
 15. Asmokeless oral tobacco product according to claim 11, wherein themoisture content of the tobacco is at least 25% by weight of the totalsmokeless oral tobacco product.
 16. A smokeless oral tobacco productaccording to claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is or comprises atobacco replacement or substitute.
 17. A smokeless oral tobacco productaccording to claim 1, wherein the nicotine content of the tobaccomaterial is from about 0.02% to about 7.5% by weight of the tobaccomaterial.
 18. A smokeless oral tobacco product according to claim 1,further comprising an additional component selected from flavouringagents, preservatives, binders, humectants, buffering agents,disintegration aids and colourants.
 19. A method of producing asmokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and aparticulate material, the particulate material having the followingproperties: i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis offrom about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm; ii) a bulk density of less than about0.6 g/cm³; and iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less thanabout 7% based on the weight of the particulate material, the methodcomprising: (a) providing a tobacco material; (b) processing the tobaccomaterial; and (c) adding the particulate material to the tobaccomaterial either prior to the processing step (b), during the processingstep (b) or after the processing step (b), wherein the tobacco materialcomprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement or substitute.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the processing step (b) comprisesheat treatment.
 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein water andsalt are added to the tobacco material either prior to the processingstep (b), during the processing step (b) or after the processing step(b).
 22. The method according to claim 19, wherein an additionalcomponent selected from flavouring agents, preservatives, binders,humectants, buffering agents, disintegration aids and colourants isadded to the tobacco material either prior to the processing step (b),during the processing step (b) or after the processing step (b).
 23. Aconsumer package comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product asdefined by claim
 1. 24. A consumer package according to claim 23,wherein the consumer package is a pouch.
 25. Use of a particulatematerial according to claim 1 for improving mouthfeel of a smokelessoral tobacco product.
 26. Use of a particulate material according toclaim 1 for maintaining in use structure of a smokeless oral tobaccoproduct.